CRYSTAL LAKE ACADEMY
- One of the oldest buildings in McHenry County; built ca. 1852
- Housed the Crystal Lake Academy until about 1856 when it closed due to the passage of the Free School Act
- Became the home of the Gates family of Crystal Lake
- Today it is owned by the Episcopal Church of Crystal Lake and the old school, now known as Tarpley House, is still used for education of the young people of the church
RIDGEFIELD SCHOOL
- Built in 1914 due to a fire that destroyed the previous frame school at Christmas, 1913
- Was originally a two room school and then expanded to a 4 classroom building
- Ridgefield remained a separate school district (Dist. 48) well into the 1950’s when it consolidated with Crystal Lake Elementary (Dist. 47)
- Today it is the home of the McHenry County Jewish Congregation, which continues to use the building for educational purposes
TURNER CAMP
- Founded in 1914. Alfred Wilde brought Turner boys from Tinley Park Turnverein chapter to a campsite near Cary in 1914. The campsite was on the Dunbar Cattle Ranch. Wilde brought them by train to Fox River Grove. They then hiked to the campsite.
- Now encompasses 270 cottages on 102 acres. Many of the cottages are privately owned.
- The Turnergurmeindt Movement was very important in, not only the history of Illinois Turner Camp, but also in the history of Physical Education in the school system in the United States. There are five different societies/clubs in the Chicago area, including Elgin and Aurora.
- The Turner Society was a closely knit family group and activity centered around the Turner Hall for gymnastic instruction and social life. Many societies conducted their gym classes in German.
Share this post:
